Monday, March 9, 2009

GSQA

GSQA is a regional network of guilds and individuals who share a common thread, the love of quilts and quilt construction. Its membership resides in the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and panhandle of Florida. Its goal is to educate its members and the general public in the artistry of quilt making and the preservation of quilt history in America. This is accomplished through quilting shows, seminars, workshops, and lectures. General meetings are held quarterly during the month of January, April, July, and October on the third Saturday of the month. Each meeting is hosted by a different guild and held in different locations throughout the region.

“Pursuit of Excellence” is an educational workshop activity that is offered to disburse quilt knowledge to its members. Two GSQA members from each guild may attend one of the classes held every other month. There is a kit fee or a supply list that is made available for class participation. There is a P. O. E. chairperson. The guild president asks for volunteers to attend and report on the newly learned techniques.

Circuit teachers are available to tutor GSQA members in a number of different techniques. A workshop is organized with a certain teacher. Optimum class size is about 20. Plans are made months in advance, with a date and space reserved. GSA members from different local guilds may organize a class. Contact the GSQA circuit teacher chairman to schedule classes.

In April, an educational seminar is held in Long Beach, MS. See annual calendar for details.

The guild was founded by Marion Maerke of New Orleans in January, 1984. It was an off-shoot of the National Quilting Association organized to keep alive the interest in quilting generated by the American Bicentennial of 1976. She remains an active participant in its growth and activities. GSQA now boasts a membership of 70 chapter guilds and 800+ members.

In odd-numbered years GSQA sponsors a quilt show. In 1993, the show was held at the Landmark Hotel in Metairie, LA. Quilts were accepted from members and from nonmembers around the country in eight categories. Quilts were judged if requested. GSQA members act as docents. Show activities cover the weekend, Friday until Sunday. There was also a banquet, brunch and fashion show.

Membership in GSQA is not mandatory. As a member of the River City Quilting Guild, you are not required to join GSQA, but you MUST be a member to attend a GSQA-sponsored workshop. Nearly one-half of the River City Quilting Guild are members. Dues are $20, paid annually. A quarterly newsletter is mailed with announcements of upcoming events and meeting notices.